Rules

CM4HL Official Rulebook

 Game Format

• Games are played 4-on-4 full ice.

• No offsides and no icing will be enforced.

• Warm-Up: 4 minutes.

• Periods: Two (2) 24-minute running-time periods.

• Intermission: 2 minutes between periods.

• The game clock will stop only in the following cases:

  • For penalties

  • For injuries

  • During the final two (2) minutes of regulation if the game is within two goals

• Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per game, not to exceed one (1) minute.

• Mercy Rule: If a team leads by 12 goals, the game will be considered complete and a mercy will be declared. The result will be final regardless of remaining time.

 Rosters

• Teams may roster a maximum of 10 skaters and 2 goaltenders.

• General Managers may:

  • Lock up to eight (8) players on the active roster.

  • Trade, pick up, or release any remaining roster players through free agency.

  • Execute trades with other teams, subject to approval by the League Commissioner.

• The trade deadline is at the midpoint of the regular season. (week 9)

Substitutions

• All substitute players must:

  • Sign the league liability waiver

  • Be approved by both the League Commissioner and the opposing team captain before participating.

• A $25 substitution fee applies to each sub per game.

• If the sub fee is not paid, the team using the substitute will forfeit that game, resulting in a loss in the standings.

 Penalties

• Penalty shots are no longer used. All infractions result in served penalty time.

• Minor penalties: 2 minutes (running time)

• Major penalties: 4 minutes (running time)

• Fighting, checking, or hitting of any kind is strictly prohibited 

• Any fighting incident will result in:

  • A minimum two-game suspension

  • A mandatory donation to the league or a registered charity

  • A formal hearing with the League Commissioner and the Player Safety Board

• Game misconducts automatically trigger a league hearing.

 Overtime & Shootout

• If a game is tied at the end of regulation, the following tiebreakers apply:
  (1) Three (3) minute sudden-death overtime, played 3-on-3
  
  (2) If still tied, the game proceeds to a shootout - unless playoffs 

 Puck Play Rules

• If the puck hits the netting above the glass and re-enters play: play continues.

• If the puck hits the ceiling or rafters: play is whistled dead.

• Goalies are permitted to play the puck anywhere on the ice surface.

• Hand passes are only legal in the defensive zone.

 Player Conduct & Discipline

• The CM4HL has a zero-tolerance policy toward abuse of officials, opponents, and staff.

• Respect for referees, players, and league personnel is mandatory.

• Misconduct and unsportsmanlike behavior may result in:

  • Suspension

  • Fines

  • Removal from the game/league following a hearing

 Playoff Eligibility & Format

• All players must participate in at least 50% of regular season games to qualify for the playoffs.

• The top four (4) teams at the end of the regular season will qualify for the playoffs.

• Single elimination playoff games.

 League Integrity

• All rules are designed to promote fairness, safety, and competitive balance.

• The league reserves the right to amend rules as necessary, with proper notice to all teams.